Pilot Season: Is Southland Doomed? Benjamin McKenzie to Star in CBS' The Advocates

Should fans be worried about the future of Southland? Benjamin McKenzie has been tapped to star in the CBS pilot The Advocates.McKenzie will play Henry Bird, an ex-con who has just been released after being unjustly imprisoned for 16 years. ...

McKenzie will play Henry Bird, an ex-con who has just been released after being unjustly imprisoned for 16 years. His character teams with a lawyer, and the two become "victim advocates" that sometimes break the rules in order to right wrongs and fight for the underdog. True Blood's Brit Morgan will play Henry's sister, Rose Bird. As previously announced, CCH Pounder and Esai Morales and will also star.

So what does this mean for the future of Southland? McKenzie's role in the CBS pilot, which is written and executive-produced by The Mentalist's Bruno Heller, is in second position to Southland. (Translation: If Southland is renewed for a sixth season, he will stick with the TNT cop drama.) However, since Warner Bros. produces both shows, it seems like they're hedging their bets on the low-rated TNT cop drama being renewed.

"I'm honored to be a part of the best cop show on TV (IMHO)," McKenzie tweeted to his fans after the casting announcement. "I hope and pray it returns. Nothing would make me happier. #SouthLAnd forever."